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Essential Facts about Bulletproof Vests

Protecting yourself with a bulletproof vest is critical if you are employed in law enforcement, private security or the military. Body armor is designed to stop the bullet from penetrating your body, which will allow you to continue to do your job and to provide for yourself and your family. However, there are a few important facts to consider when purchasing a bulletproof vest.

The Different Materials Used to Make Body Armor

There are several types of materials that are used to create the bulletproof vests of today. Kevlar is a popular product that has been providing protection for many years. This material is created by spinning Kevlar thread together to make yarn that is then weaved into cloth. This cloth is then layered to create a Kevlar vest.

Spectra Shield is created by lining Spectra fibers into parallel rows. Once a layer is complete, a second layer is created which is then turned to lay perpendicular to the first row. These layers are then affixed with a special resin.

Concealable vs. Tactical

Depending on the line of work you are in, you may be required to purchase a bullet proof vest that is worn under your clothes. This type of vest will provide protection from small to medium sized bullets. There is also tactical personal body armor that is worn over your clothes, which will protect you from small to medium bullets, as well rifle bullets.

Size Does Matter

If you are purchasing body armor, then you need to make sure that it fits you properly. Oversized bulletproof vests may restrict your movements, as well as leave certain sections of your torso vulnerable. There are a lot of bulletproof vest manufacturers that make standard sized vests. If you order one, you should make sure that you feel comfortable wearing it.

Make Sure Your Vest has the Proper Rating

Each bulletproof vest will have a rating that is assigned to it (Type I, IIA, II, IIIA, III and IV). These ratings indicate which type of bullets the vest will stop. If you are in a position where you may be fired upon by rifles, then you want to select a vest that has a Type III or IV rating. It is extremely important that you do not purchase a vest that does not clearly indicate what the rating is.

These are a few of the facts that you should consider when purchasing a bullet proof vest. By taking the time to determine the size, rating, material, and style of vest you require, you will be in a better position to select the right one.